Category: Home Decor

Escaping the Heat, Tropical-Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Escaping the Heat, Tropical Style

The theme for this month’s Swank event is Tropical Island heat, and I have to say, Casa de Bebe has done it again! I LOVE the look of this set, and although it was probably designed with that tropical setting in mind (I’m thinking Hawaii), as you can see it works equally well in other outdoor settings as well.  The northeast is about to have a heat wave, and I know I’ll be dreaming of sitting somewhere just like this, with a cold drink in one hand and a good book in the other, while the ceiling fan helps stir the tropical breeze coming off the water… sighs… if only!

Casa de Bebe:  Mango Outdoor Room.  CdB has done it once again! Even though I’m not moving to Hawaii (except in my dreams!), I wish I could create this in real life at my new house in Florida (if & when I get there lol).  IMHO, this outdoor set has a casually upscale look so you can sit in outdoors in both great comfort & style.  Fatpacks for PG or Adult EXCLUSIVELY available at the July Swank Event, July 7th – 30th, includes everything shown (EXCEPT for the cat & mouse).  Items are also available for purchase separately, as follows:

  • Mango Pergola – includes two versions, both with a double step as shown & with a single step.  One of the panels in the back doors opens/closes to allow cool breezes in or another way onto this fabulous deck.
  • Mango Sectional Sofa – in PG or Adult versions because it’s full of single & couple animations.  Includes texture change — 3 for the main sofa, 5 for the front pillows, 5 for the back pillows, & 3 for the blanket.
  • Mango Rattan Armchair – also in PG or Adult versions, with the same texture changes as in the sofa so you can mix or match
  • Mango Rattan Coffee Table
  • Palm Leaf Ceiling Fan – turns exactly right to create the perfect breeze… light turns on/off
  • Giant Split Leaf Philodendron Plant (copy so you can use as many as you want in your setting)
  • Potted Banana Tree (also copy)
  • Seashell Collection (bowl on table)
  • Mango Lantern
  • Coastal Magazines

The Butterfly Boho Collection

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Butterfly Boho Collection

OK, it’s getting hot. Hot and humid (just ask my hair!).  And I don’t know about you, but I can’t just always sit inside with the air conditioning.  Since I don’t live  on the water to benefit from cool ocean breezes, I’m always looking for comfortable shady little nooks to escape to with a book or whatever.  Now obviously here on the grid we don’t have to suffer through weather extremes, but that mindset of special little corners to escape and relax in has definitely followed me inworld.  I’m always looking to create an enticing new spot, and I found this set to truly be something special.  I think you will too!

Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Boho Butterfly Collection.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the 6/20 Girls Heaven event, open June 28th – July 22nd, in both cuddle & adult versions:

  • Boho Butterfly Daybed Bento – Includes the wood pergola & the daybed, which is full of cuddle or adult bento animations (depending on version), plus bento singles & dances.  You can also change the color of the daybed to any of 5 choices.
  • Boho Butterfly Birdbath with Animated Butterfly (just touch the butterfly to make it flap… looks so real!)
  • Boho Butterfly Poppy Patch – just touch the grass to change the flower colors (10 choices); since it’s copy, you can add as many as you want to create a unique & natural looking setting

Slow Summer Fun

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Slow Summer Fun

As the heat of the summer starts to increase, the pace of summertime definitely slows down to a more leisurely pace.  As I sit here icing my poor swollen leg, my mind is naturally turning to days gone by of those long hot summer days, stretching out behind me.  A pergola/swing set like this would be just so perfect right now… if I could only rez it in real life!!!  Sadly, current technology doesn’t allow for that… but I more than enough time to dream about it lol!

Dreamland Designs – Slow’s Summer Fun.  Comes with the swing, flowers, tree surround, hanging lights, & bougainvillea tree pergola.  Materials enabled, bento animations in both Adult & PG versions.  Only available in the complete set as of now, EXCLUSIVELY at the June Swank Event, open June 7th – 30th.   Stay tuned for tomorrow’s blog, where I’ll highlight one of the animations!

Blue in Paradise

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Blue in Paradise

Just because you’re in paradise physically doesn’t mean you’re happy.  These days especially, no matter where you are the pressures & stress & worries & inequities in the world can impact even the most resilient of us.  But whether you’re stressing over racial inequality, COVID19, personal issues, or even a lost shaker of salt, don’t let people tell you that YOU have no right to be upset or blue considering what you have or where you are.  Yes, some are lucky enough to be more privileged than others, while others struggle every day, but we ALL have the basic human right to feel upset or scared or just plain blue.  Of course, it’s true the other way around as well.  Those around you have the same right; it’s not necessarily bad to remind people of what they DO have, as long as you don’t belittle their emotions in the process.  Well, time to get off my soapbox and find that missing salt shaker, don’t you think?  Then off for more shopping therapy, which ALWAYS lifts spirits!!!

  • Outfit:  Virtue – Felicia.  Love this style, which to me has a definite vintage vibe while still being right on target for today’s style.  The high waist & skinny belt really shows off your shape; the extra layer at the neckline & on the sleeves adds that designer detail to set the outfit apart. Since each piece is separate, you can wear the arms or go sleeveless. Choose from 6 colors including this fabulous shade of red, sized for Slink HG/P, Belleza F/I/V, Legacy, & Maitreya. EXCLUSIVELY available at the 05/20 Girls Heaven event, open May 31st – June 24th.
  • Skin:  7 Deadly s[K]ins – Aloha, worn in Cashew browless.  I run out of superlatives for these 7DS skins, each one a beauty in its own indescribable way! Aloha is another stunner, available in two options of 5 tones each (dark or light tones, including both omega & BOM, regular & browless).  See the closeup below, EXCLUSIVELY available at DUBAI Event until June 10th.  Shape & demos also available.
  • Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Sunset Key Collection.   Yesterday I showed the offsim island/bar & the rowboat (HERE); today it’s the land version of the bar.  Chairs have bento animations (singles, cuddles, adult, & dances); texture change for the bartop & the stools (4 colors for the bartop & 5 for the stools).  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Designer Showcase, from June 5th – 28th, in both cuddle & adult versions.
  • Head, Brows, Eyeliner, Lipstick:  GENUS Project – Strong Face (free version)
  • Body:  Slink – Hourglass Mesh Body Original, Full Version including Hands (Dynamic) & Feet
  • Hair:  Doux – Tyrisha
  • Eyes:  Avi-Glam – Luminous Eyes in Ivy
  • Freckles:  Izzie’s – Heart Mole & Freckles (Omega); DS’Elles – Freckle Body (Omega)
  • Shoes:  Pure Poison – Sandra Sandals
  • Jewelry: Maxi Gossamer – Lyra Enchantress Necklace & Earrings; Chop Zuey – Bel Aire Gold Women’s Wedding Band

Wastin’ away in Margaritaville

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Wastin' Away in Margaritaville

OK, so when you’ve dreamed of escaping to a tropic isle, this may not be what you envisioned, but it certainly adds a very special something to an isle you already have!  And I definitely wouldn’t call it “wastin’ away” because this little collection is so gorgeous and such fun to use!  I know that I redid half my island in order to accommodate it all, it’s just so special!  Time to belly up to the bar and wait for the green flash… rejuvenate myself for more shopping therapy!!!!

Tylar’s Treasures – NEW!  Sunset Key Collection.  EXCLUSIVELY available at the June Designer Showcase, from June 5th – 28th, in both cuddle & adult versions:

  • Offsim Bar with Island – The island, the bar, the chairs, the flamingos, the palm trees with lights, the parrot, the scattering of leaves, & this awesome little wave around the island are all included on this little offsim island.  This is NOT just decor — you can sit there & use all the bento animations (singles, cuddles, adult, & dances).  You can also play with the colors of the bartop & the stools (4 colors for the bartop & 5 for the stools).  Comes in cuddle & adult versions.  The bar/stools are also available as a land version only.
  • Sunset Key Rowboat – comfy little rowboat, filled with bento animations for singles & couples (available in Cuddle & Adult versions), including dances.  Full texture changes available too, for the boat, the rope, both sets of pillows, the blanket, & the mat.

Nesting Boho Style

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Nesting Boho Style

I feel like I’m sounding like a broken record with all these posts of BOHO room settings, but the fact remains that I’m a BOHO girl and this is my absolute favorite home style.  When I move in real life sometime in the fall, we’re not taking any of our furniture (northeastern style just really doesn’t translate well to Florida!), I doubt I’ll be able to do this style nearly as easily, but I’m definitely going to try!  In fact, THIS room in particular may well act as a guide for my new bedroom, though without the magic inventory closet I’ll obviously need places to put my clothes lol…  But I really can’t think of a more stylish, more comfortable, more inviting nest!

Casa de Bebe:  Saffron Bedroom.  I  LOVE the fresh look of this set! With all its decorative pillows & mix of fabrics on a bed frame I would give quite a bit to own IRL, the bed just beckons to lie down & get comfy.  The whole style of the set is BOHO with a slight Mexican/African/southwestern bent, perfect for a log house like mine but also for a modern city apartment, a country cottage or whatever. LOADED with animations, for singles & couples, as described below.  This set was designed so perfectly, I used EVERYTHING in the set.  Fatpacks for Mature or Adult EXCLUSIVELY available at the May Swank Event, May 7th – 30th.  Items are also available for purchase separately, as follows:

  • Saffron Bed – Available in Mature with 45 M/F Single/Couples animations or in Adult with 100 M/F/FF Single/Couples/Sex animations. Texture change for dust ruffle from the saffron (shown) to solid ivory.
  • Decorative Saffron Ladder Chair & Blanket – 6 color texture change for the blanket. The chair is “decorative” which means no animations.
  • Saffron Wicker Tables
  • 3 Bohemian Rugs (Black & White Wool Rug, Vintage Kilim Moroccan Rug in Natural, Ivory & Black Vintage Moroccan Kilim Rug), all of which are separate so you can layer or spread as works best for your room layout
  • Saffron African Wall Plates
  • Antique Console Table
  • Books Cage with Red Bird
  • Ball Cactus, Ball Cactus Basket (large), Ball Cactus Basket (small)
  • Saffron Lanterns
  • Areca Palm
  • Oaxacan Planter
  • Tesoro Hanging Lantern

Also used:

  • Evolving Images:  Painted Wooden Cat, available at the May Swank Event until the 30th.  (Also used but just offscreen is the Teal Tall Vase with Sticks)
  • NaughtyBits:  Brandi Bedroom Wall Hanging
  • Image Essentials: Sleeping Cat

An island of bliss and serenity

Posted on by cejalaval

http://An island of bliss and serenity

Every body needs balance, and for fitness and well being, finding tension and releasing it within your body, nothing, and I mean NOTHING, works as well as a massage.  I’m desperately missing my visits to the message therapist IRL… aches and pains are a daily reminder of how my wellness goals have fallen by the wayside.  Since my county in NY is still “on pause” till mid-June at least, there’s not much I can do about massage therapy for my poor aching body, but I CAN make sure that my avatar doesn’t suffer the same fate!  I debated between setting up a separate pavilion somewhere on the property, similar to what you find at a vacation resort, but I opted for creating a corner of peace and body bliss in my home with this awesome set from Simple Reflections.  It looks great, feels amazing, and is filled with animations for massage and more private adult activities as well.  How perfect is that?!?

Simple Reflections:  

  • Massage Table Full Set.  10 individual pieces — massage table; massage table counter; oil diffuser & book (animated diffuser continually cycles through colors); pan picture frame; potted spider bamboo; egg lamps.  Includes a texture HUD for 7 color fabrics, 6 wood colors. With massage animations for feminine to masculine, masculine to feminine, & adult.  EXCLUSIVELY at the May Swank Event, open until May 31st. 
  • Cushy Lounger, with texture changer HUD. Original mesh, with 8 different diffuse colors in plush, & two additional sets of specular enhancement (dots or stripes) for advanced lighting.  Includes male/female/couple animations.  The perfect accompaniment to your massage corner!  Also available at the May Swank Event, through the end of the month.

The Life of A Tree House

Posted on by cejalaval

http://The Life of a Tree House

I could be wrong, but I think that tree houses are part of every kid’s imagination.  Even as a city kid, I always wanted a little place of my own (and by “place”, I mean just four walls) that I could climb up to, pull up the ladder, and be alone, away from parents, peer pressure, and everything else.  In today’s world, the idea of tree houses has evolved into an incredible industry of beautiful fantasy structures that are not just for children.  They’ve taken on a life of their own, capturing the imagination of children and adults alike.  Since I don’t have the wherewithal to indulge any of that in my real life, the opportunity to do so here in Second Life is just too good to pass up… and this tree house by Swank & Co. is so versatile, it’s idyllic for any use.

Swank & Co.:   Boho Tree House.  The two-story open tree house rezzes in one piece, complete with the tree, the stairs, the canopy on the top level, hanging lights along the railings, & changing small lights on the wall on the bottom floor.  Add as much or as little decor as you want… with its two levels, it’s perfect for any kind of hideaway or perch to watch the sunrise or sunset (I turned it into a small home for my faerie alt, who really didn’t feel comfortable in the big house).  95 prim, EXCLUSIVELY at the May Swank Event, open until May 31st.  There’s lots of little items available to help decorate your tree house, too; I’ve used quite a few, including:

  • Swank & Co. Beaded Curtain Natural Wood
  • Swank & Co. Boho Crystal Sun Catcher Lantern (available in two colors)
  • Swank & Co. Boho Crystal Sun Catcher (available in two colors)

Boho Chic

Posted on by cejalaval

http://Boho Chic

I’m creating something in the far back of my property that uses quite a few prims.  It’s fabulous, I love it, and I’ll be blogging it early next week once it’s finished.  However, since my blogging platform where I rez backdrops for shots is also at my property, I need to keep a few hundred “empty” prims for temporary structures.  That meant something “old” had to go if I was to have this primmy something “new.”   I therefore walked around re-evaluating all my landscaping and decor, which I do a few times a year.  The 2nd floor of my house is one large loft which I’ve “divided” into three areas, all of which were filled with lots of high-prim items.  It looked great, if maybe a little glamorous for a log home, but I marked it for replacement and poof!  it all went into inventory.

The theme at the May Swank Event is Boho Chic, one of my top favorite looks for decor.  It’s just so comfortable and inviting, and I love to work with color (even my RL home is a bit like a crayola box, though there I work more with the walls lol)! The H&G designers have really outdone themselves this round IMHO, there’s just so many wonderful sets available.  The trick was finding sets that would work together in the space.  The good news is that I successfully created a whole new look and feel for the upstairs (not to mention providing lots of new animations to play with!)…  Here’s set #1, where I created a fab boho sitting area.

Park Place Home Decor – Fallon Boho Chic Sitting Room.  Comfy & inviting, perfect for curling up with a good book or a kitty, or for some conversation or playtime (it does have adult anims, after all lol) before bed.  It really works in any kind of general decor setting.  Available as a complete set (Adult or PG) or as individual pieces, EXCLUSIVELY at the May Swank Event, open until May 31st.  

  • Fallon Boho Sofa – comes in Adult & PG versions, with a 6-color HUD to change the color of the sofa
  • Fallon Boho Chair – PG only, with its own 6-color HUD, so you can match or coordinate colors
  • Fallon Boho Leather Accent Chair – PG only, with a 7-color HUD (the pattern shown + the same 6 colors in the sofa & Boho Chair HUDs)
  • Fallon Boho Area Rug
  • Fallon Wood Coffee Table
  • Fallon Wood End Table
  • Boho Wall Screen – can be used up against the wall or as a colorful but non-confining divider since it’s transparent
  • Boho Wall Hanging  – color change, just by clicking (can be seen in the alternate shot below)
  • Fallon Boho Lamp in Yellow
  • Cheese Tray
  • Teal Wooden Fish Sculpture
  • Wine Bottle Candle
  • NOT SHOWN:  Boho Shelf Lighted Set & Industrial Hanging Lamp